The whir of the polishing machine always takes me back. It is a rhythmic hum that has not changed since 1986. I was a young man in Knoxville then. I had one bench and a handful of tools. My sons, Blake and Chris, work right next to me. We have seen styles come and go over the last thirty years. The loud looks of the eighties have been replaced by something much luxurious. As we head into the jewelry trends for 2026, the shift is clear. People want jewelry that tells a story. They want a legacy, no more bad quality pieces.
The biggest shift we see for 2026 is the repurposing of gold. People no longer let old jewelry gather dust in a drawer. They bring it to us to melt down.
Refining gold is a loud, hot process. We take your old wedding bands or broken chains and turn them into a liquid. We refine that metal, add the right alloys, and cast a brand-new piece of history. You carry your grandmother’s gold in your new wedding ring.
Round diamonds will always have a place. But 2026 belongs to the Trillions and the Asscher cuts. We are seeing a lot of interest in elongated cushions too.
Couples are learning about “face-up” size. This is a secret many big-box stores won’t tell you. A one-carat trillion cut can look larger than a one-carat round because of the way the stone is shaped. You get more look for your money.
Sharp-cornered stones need a master’s touch. We use specific V-prong settings to protect those corners. It makes sure your stone stays safe during your daily Knoxville life.
White gold had a long, successful run. However, yellow gold is back in a big way for 2026. We are seeing clients choose 14k and 18k yellow gold for almost every custom engagement ring project.
Yellow gold provides a warmth that white metals lack. If you choose this metal, we recommend diamonds with a slightly higher color grade. This keeps the stone looking crisp and icy against the warm metal.
Ethical Sourcing For 2026
You should know where your diamond came from. At Rick Terry Jewelry Designs, we resolve the trust issue by keeping everything local. We responsibly source every stone.
The lab-grown vs. natural debate is still active. Lab-grown diamonds are popular for their size and price. Natural diamonds are chosen by those who want a legacy that holds value over centuries. Both are great options. We help you choose based on your specific goals.
A trend we love is the “Durability Check.” People are tired of thin bands that snap after six months of wear. 2026 is about jewelry that lasts. We build our bands with enough metal to survive.
Your prongs are your security system. We suggest a check-up every six months. If a prong gets thin, we re-tip it. This small step protects your investment for a lifetime.
Common Questions We Get
Can I make my old engagement ring look like a 2026 trend? Yes. We can often replace the “head” of your ring with a new setting for a modern stone shape.
Are halo rings out for 2026? The traditional halo is taking a backseat to the “hidden halo.” This places the diamonds on the side of the setting where only you can see them.
Is custom more expensive than store-bought? No. We build to your budget. You get a better-made piece for the same price.
Your Story, Our Tools
Trends change. Craftsmanship stays the same. 2026 is your year to be yourself, so bring us your napkin sketches and your old gold. We are ready to help you build something that lasts.
Book a Design Consultation at Rick Terry Jewelry Designs today. Let’s start your 2026 legacy piece at our Knoxville shop.
